Duct system for fluid pressure medium operated regulating, control and measuring apparatus

ABSTRACT

A duct system for fluid pressure medium operated apparatus comprises plural substantially flat superposable plates. At least one plate is formed with channel-type recesses separated from each other by separating walls. The recesses are arranged in regular groups, and all recesses in each group extend in the same direction. The recesses in adjacent groups extend in respective different directions, such as at right angles to each other. The separating walls are pierceable to interconnect channels at selected locations to form a fluid pressure medium flow circuit. In one embodiment of the invention, the plate has channel-type recesses on both surfaces, with the recesses on one surface extending substantially perpendicularly to the recesses on the other surface and with interconnection being effected by aperturing the portion of the plate separating the recesses on the opposite surfaces. In another embodiment of the invention, the recesses are formed on only one surface of the plate, and the separating walls comprise webs of the channel-type recesses.

United States Patent Klee [54] DUCT SYSTEM FOR FLUID PRESSURE MEDIUMOPERATED REGULATING,

CONTROL AND MEASURING APPARATUS 72 Inventor: Gerhard Klee,Frankfurt/M.-Ginnheim,

Germany [73] Assignee: Samson-Apparatebau A.G., Frankfurt/Main, Germany[22] Filed: Dec. 10, 1969 [21] Appl. No.: 883,743

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Apr. 5, 1969 Germany ..P 19 17727.6

[52] U.S.Cl ..137/608, 137/815 [51] Int. CL... ..Fl7d 1/00 [58] Field ofSearch ..137/8l.5, 608

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,407,846 10/1968Brandenberg ..137/815 X 3,433,260 3/1969 Higgins ..137/608 3,461,9008/1969 Dexter et a1. .137/81 5 3,465,772 9/1969 Monge et al... 137/81 53,465,774 9/1969 Kautz et al..... ..137/81 5 3,495,604 2/1970 Trask..137/8l.5 X 3,495,608 2/ 1970 OKeefe ..137/81.5

[ Mar. 7, 1972 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Modular Pneumatic Logic Package,"l.B.M. Tech. Discl. Bull., Langley et al., Vol. 6, No. 5, Oct., 1963,pp. 3, 4.

Primary Examiner-Samuel Scott Attorney-McGlew and Toren [5 7] ABSTRACT Aduct system for fluid pressure medium operated apparatus comprisesplural substantially flat superposable plates. At least one plate isformed with channel-type recesses separated from each other byseparating walls. The recesses are arranged in regular groups, and allrecesses in each group extend in the same direction. The recesses inadjacent groups extend in respective different directions, such as atright angles to each other. The separating walls are pierceable tointerconnect channels at selected locations to form a fluid pressuremedium flow circuit. In one embodiment of the invention, the plate haschannel-type recesses on both surfaces, with the recesses on one surfaceextending substantially perpendicularly to the recesses on the othersurface and with interconnection being effected by aperturing theportion of the plate separating the recesses on the opposite surfaces.in another embodiment of the invention, the recesses are formed on onlyone surface of the plate, and the separating walls comprise webs of thechannel-type recesses.

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GERlll-IRI KLEE (fifmnw nmm NE vs DUCT SYSTEM FOR FLUID PRESSURE MEDIUMOPERATED REGULATING, CONTROL AND MEASURING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION Circuit plates or circuit members used to form duct systemsfor pressure medium operated apparatus have, up to the present, beenrelatively expensive because they must be produced specially for eachparticular application. Thus, they are not adaptable to other conditionsor requirements,.and hence must usually be replaced by new circuitplates or circuit members when the operating conditionschange. Similardisadvantages result with circuit blocks having boresarranged in severalplanes, the circuit arrangement of which is difficult and, when onceestablished, can no longer be changed.

When flat plates, such as known, for example, from German DAS 1,093,625,are used for such a duct system, they are made of rubber or plastic andchannels are pressed thereinto by means of press molds which areproduced by the method, known from printing, for producing metal-rubberprinting plates.

With this type of production, new press molds must be provided for eachapplication, in order to produce the required channeled plates. Suchchanneled plates therefore are comparatively expensive and areapplicable only for installations which are produced in relatively largequantities.

Additionally, when the plates are arranged in superposed relation toform a duct system including ducts in several planes, the duct layoutbecomes complicated and leads to errors. Also, such channeled plates arenot adaptable to other conditions or requirements. When circuitrequirements or regulating parameters change, therefore, new press moldsmust be prepared to make the channeled plates, and this is verycomplicated and expensive.

There have also been used so-called circuit blocks with transverse andlongitudinal channels crossing in four planes and separated bypartitions. By removal of the partitions from the longitudinal andtransverse channels, any desired duct connections can be produced. Asidefrom the fact that such circuit blocks are difficult to produce becauseof the blind bores, the removal of the partitions involves furtherdifficulties, and the circuit course is not visible. Thus, circuiterrors may occur very easily, and become evidentonly when theinstallation is placed in operation. Additionally, the construction of aduct system utilizing such circuit blocks is very voluminous.

Finally, the construction of an extensive duct system with severalplanes one above the other is possible only with great difficulty if atall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to duct systems forpressure medium operated apparatus and, more particularly, to such asystem including superposed plates at least one of which is formed withpressure medium channels, and which is more versatile than known ductsystems and which provides greater'safety in designing a flow circuit,greater reliability in operation with a small overall volume, low costof production, easy adaptation to new problems or new conditions andproviding for planning ofa circuit arrangement in one plane as far aspossible.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the preferablyplate-shaped circuit member contains rows of pres sure medium channelson both surfaces, the rows thus being separated by a separating wall,and the rows on each surface extending in a different direction from therows on the other surface. The rows are interconnectable by formingapertures in the separating walls at intersections selectable accordingto the desired circuit diagram. An especially advantageous feature isthat the duct system comprises an assembly of this circuit member withplates which are superposed in flat relation, at least one of theseplates being formed with open pressure medium channels which arecoverable by a respective adjacent plate.

In practice, such a circuit device can be constructed in various ways.In a very simple form of construction, the circuit member consists of aninner plate, formed on both surfaces with rows of open pressure mediumchannels and, at the same time, forming the separating wall, and twoother plates covering the pressuremedium channels. In another, and alsovery simple, form of construction, the circuit member consists of twoouter plates formed, on their inner surfaces, with a row of openpressure medium channels, and an inner plate covering the pressuremedium channels and forming the separating wall.

The pressure medium channels in each row of channels extend preferablyparallel to one another, but obliquely to preferably perpendicularly tothe pressure medium channels of the other row of channels. In the caseof such a circuit device, where the longitudinal and transverse channelscross, one may speak of a circuit member having cross channel plates. Atthe points where thechannels cross, the plate forming the separatingwall is provided with markings or, at these points, holes are marked andare, advantageously, specially designated or numbered. These markedholes then can be punched or pierced according to the desired circuitdiagram, in order to interconnect the respective longitudinal andtransverse channels. To one side of the central plate, the outer platescarry those elements which are to be connected with the transversechannels and, to the other side of the central plate, the outer platescarry those elements which are to be connected with the longitudinalchannels.

The central or inner plate advantageously may be produced from anelastic material, so that the pressure medium channels are sealedhermetically by the compressive pressure of the outer plates against theelastic inner plate. The plates of the circuit member advantageously arepressed firmly together by bolts or other securing means.

However, instead of bolts for holding the plates pressed together, theplates of the circuit members simply may be glued together. The surfacesto be glued together then may be treated so that they vulcanizethemselves and thereby gain adhesive strength. When the plates are gluedtogether. with the aid of such activated surfaces, the outer plates alsomay consist of elastic or soft material.

Circuit members embodying the invention or, respectively, the individualchannel plates or separating plates, actually may be produced in anydesired size and form but, for the purpose of rational production, theyare preferably formed with a uniform size which should be so dimensionedthat the circuit members suffice for the circuiting of the control andregulating units most frequently used. It also may be an advantage toprovide a smaller number of longitudinal channels and a larger number oftransverse channels, and to connect the logic or circuit elements withthe transverse channels while connecting the junctions for the supply ofair and the input and output signals withthe longitudinal channels. Thelogic elements, in fact, usually must be connected together in multipleways, besides being connected with the input and output signal passages,so that generally fewer longitudinal channels than transverse channelsare needed.

For forming 'the circuit of larger and more complicated regulating orcontrol installations, two or more plate-shaped circuit members may, inaccordancewith the invention, be interconnected selectively to form onelarger circuit installation.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is utilized, as a basis, aduct system consisting of open channels arranged in one surface of aflat plate and covered by another plate. Instead of these channels,channel sections, separated from each other by pierceable webs areprovided, and these are arranged in the flat plate according to aregularly recurring pattern.

With this embodiment of the invention, it is possible, for the firsttime, to create, from one type of channel plates, and merely by piercingor breaking away of webs between the individual channel sections, anydesired duct connections within the given possibilities, namely in onecircuit plane. The resulting duct system therefore is clear at a glance.Since only one type of channel plate must be produced, for example bypressing, large quantities and, accordingly, low prices result. Since,in establishing the ducts system, the duct connections, representedproperly in a drawing, or transferable directly onto the channel plate,as by breaking away of the selected webs between the channel sections,errors in laying out the flow circuit are practically excluded. Thebreaking away of the webs is relatively easy, and can be effected, forexample, by cutting or breaking out with a suitable tool. The expensefor establishing a duct system therefore is extremely low, and this isreflected also in the adaptation of an established installation to newtasks, since the channel plate, with the old duct layout, can bereplaced easily and quickly by a channel plate with a new duct layout.New pressing tools, such as required for the exchange of channel platesused up till the present, are no longer necessary.

Establishment of duct systems is made especially inexpensive if theplate having the channel sections is provided with division lines withrelation to which the regularly recurring patterns are arranged insymmetry. A so-called norm plate (standard plate) then can be used, inaccordance with the requirements to be fulfilled, as a whole plate forthe establishment of a desired duct system, or else only parts of thisplate, provided by division of the plate along the symmetry or divisionlines, can be used. This results in a further saving of production costsand stock-keeping costs.

In a preferred form of construction, the pattern, which repeats on bothsides of the divisional lines, is in the form of a ladder, butalternatively it may be in comb or meander form. To facilitate handlingof the plate formed with the channel sections, it is connected with afirm or rigid, and preferably metallic, support.

For particularly extensive duct systems it may, under certain spatialconditions, be desirable to subdivide the duct system into severalsuperposed planes instead of arranging the duct system in a singleplane. A channel plate embodying the invention is suitable for thisconstruction also, and without losing its advantageous properties. Sucha plate, with channel sections separated from each other by frangiblewebs, and whose channel sections are arranged according to a regularlyrecurring pattern has, in accordance with another feature of theinvention, channel sections which present apertures passing through theplate. In this manner, a pressure potential of one circuit plane can betransferred easily and reliably to another circuit plane, such as theone below. In accordance with the preferred former construction, thechannel sections having the apertures are arranged side by side at aspacing such that they match the junctions of pneumatic or hydrauliccomponents to be interconnected by the duct system.

With a stacked arrangement of several plates formed with channelsections, in accordance with the invention, the additional plates of theduct system, arranged between these plates and covering the openchannels, have the passages (break throughs) establishing the connectionbetween the individual channel planes. The property of the plates formedwith the channel sections, as norm plates, is thus preserved, since,when the duct system to be established is arranged in a single plane,the plate is clamped in a manner known per se between two metal plates,with one metal plate carrying the circuit elements and the other metalplate the inlet and discharge lines. The passages provided in the plateformed with the channel sections therefore are closed pressuretight bythe plates carrying the inlet and discharge lines. Something similarapplies for stacked arrangements of plates formed with the channelsections, and here again the passages not needed in the plates arecovered in a pressuretight manner by additional metal plates.

To facilitate establishing of the passages, another feature of theinvention involves the additional plates having a network of linesindicating all possible locations for passages to be established.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved duct systemincluding circuit members and which is more versatile than known ductsystems.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a duct system whichis easily adapted to a variety of circuit diagrams.

tin/.11

A further object of the invention is to provide such a duct system whichfulfills, to a higher degree than heretofore, the requirements ofgreater safety in circuiting.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a duct systemproviding great reliability in operation with a small overall volume anda low cost of production.

For an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference ismade to the following description of typical embodiments thereof asillustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are, respectively, longitudinal sectional, plan andtransverse sectional views of a circuit device in accordance with afirst embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are, respectively, longitudinal sectional, plan andtransverse sectional views of a circuit device in accordance with asecond embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of a separating plate provided withmarkings;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a combined circuit installation;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view ofa part ofa combined circuit installation;

FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of a channeled plate used in theformation ofa duct system embodying the invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view on the line IIII of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view ofa duct system, embodying theinvention, and consisting of several superposed channel plates such asshown in FIG. 10; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, partly in section, of a duct system suchas shown in FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIGS. 1, 2and 3, in the therein illustrated embodiment of the invention, thecircuit member comprises an inner plate 1, of elastic material, havingits opposite surfaces formed with respective rows of open pressuremedium channels 4 and 5, respectively, and two firm outer plates 2 and3. FIG. 2 illustrates inner plate 1 with the upper outer plate 2removed. Transverse channels 4 are arranged in groups of 5. to leavespace for bolts 6 which secure the three plates together in tightlysealed relation. The longitudinal channels 5, which are not directlyvisible in the plan view of FIG. 2, are illustrated in broken lines. Apart of the longitudinal sectional view constituting FIG. 1 is offset toillustrate a longitudinal channel 5. I

The logic elements 7 are secured on upper outer plate 2 through themedium of screws or bolts 9 and with the interposition of packings 8.The distributor pieces 10, which carry the connections for the input andoutput signals, for the air supply, and possibly for time elements orvolumes to be connected, as well as the adjustable chokes l2 and testingvalves 13, are secured in a similar manner on lower outer plate 3, withthe interposition of packings 14. As best seen in FIG. 2, inner plate 1is formed with apertures 15, drilled therethrough at selected locationsin accordance with the circuit diagram.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate another example of the construction of theinvention, wherein the individual plates of the circuit member areadhered or glued together and to the logic elements 23 and connectingpieces 22. In this embodiment of the invention, inner plate 16 is flatand smooth, with transverse channels 17 being formed in one surface ofouter plate 18, and longitudinal channels 19 in one surface of outerplate 20, the surfaces of plates 18 and 20 formed with the respectivechannels 17 and 19 facing inner plate 16. Inner plate 16 is formed withbores 26 at points corresponding to the circuit diagram, to selectivelyinterconnect channels 17 and 19 to form the flow circuits. said logicand circuit elements, and said longitudinal channels beingconnected'with said FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of inner plate 16carrying designations, solely by way of example, of the marked aperturesor bores therein. One corner 21 of all three plates of the circuitrydevice is beveled, to insure the correct relative positions of theindividual plates when they are cemented or glued together. In theembodiment of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, connecting pieces 22 are made in onepiece. Logic elements 23 are firmly connected together, so that they actas a single piece, this being indicated schematically by bolts 24anchored through crosspieces 25.

In both of the embodiments of the invention so far described, the numberof longitudinal channels and of transverse channels has been assumed asan arbitrary number. Also, the distribution of the logic elements, ofthe junctions and of the actuating elements over the two outer platesmay be effected in any other manner, that is, if necessary, thearrangement of the logic elements, accessories and connecting piecesmay, for example, be on one surface only of the circuit device.

For more extensive circuit installations, as required for morecomplicated control and regulating functions, several channeled platesmust be connected together. The channeled plates may be arrangedparallel with one another and inserted, for example; in holding racks. Aschematic arrangement of this kind is illustrated in FIG. 8. Referringto FIG. 8, connection pieces or members 27 for the hose or conduitconnections are arranged on one side of each circuit member 28 adjacentone end thereof, and the connecting pieces 29 for the adjustableregulating and testing elements are arranged on the same side of eachcircuit member 28 but adjacent the opposite end thereof. This results ina clear arrangement, at one end of the circuit members, of the hose orconduit connections 30 between the individual circuit members 28, aswell as of the hose or conduit connections 31 which are connected toexternal sources while, at the opposite end of the circuit devices 28,the devices to be manipulated are easily accessible. Logic and circuitelements 32, which need to be accessible only in case of repair orreplacement, are positioned between circuit members 28 and areaccessible after detachment of hose connections 30 and 31 and-extractionof circuit members 28.

Disconnection of the hose connections can be further simplified by usingplug strips 33, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Hoses or conduits 30 and 31are individually plugged into plug strip 33. The connecting pieces 27are so designed as to act as female receptacles for the plug strip 33.Thus, connection of the hoses with circuit members 28 can be effectedwith a single manipulation, and the hoses can be disconnected just aseasily. With reinsertion of plug strip 33 into junction strip 27, thereresults the further advantage, which cannot be underestimated as againstinsertion of the individual hoses, that mixups in the hose connectionsare avoided.

This form of construction, where the circuit members are interconnectedby hoses, constitutes a very practical combination which affords,besides clarity and accessibility, an extensive adaptability andvariability. Other combinations are also possible. Thus, the individualcircuit members can be interconnected without the use of hoses by meansof plug strips which interconnect all or a part of the longitudinalchannels. Also, plug strips can be used in the same manner forconnecting the transverse channels of the individual circuit members,thereby multiplying the possibilities for flow circuits in bothdirections.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. through 13, aplate 10, of plastic or of natural or artificial rubber, has one surfaceformed with a plurality of unilaterally open longitudinal channels 11'and a plurality of unilaterally open transverse channels 12, withchannels 11 and 12' extending at right angles to each other. Thelongitudinal and transverse channels form regularly recurringladder-type patterns, which are arranged symmetrically with respect todivision lines 13'.

As clearly illustrated in FIG. 10, the longitudinal transverse channelsare channel sections which are separated from each other by webs 14',only some of which have been designated for the purpose ofa betterillustration. If webs 14' are divided, pierced or broken away, forexample as illustrated at 14a,

there result duct connections between the individual sections of thelongitudinal and transverse channels. In this manner, any desired ductinterconnection within the given possibilities can be produced. Thedivision can be effected, for example, by cutting away or by breakingout the webs. To impart sufficient stiffness to plate 10', which mayalso be called the channel plate, and despite the plurality of thechannels sections weakening its cross section, as shown in FIGS. 11 and13, plate 10 is connected with a firm, and preferably metallic, support16'. This connection may be effected, for example. by gluing orcementing. The unilaterally open channels, of which those where theseparating webs have been removed form the actual duct system, arecovered in pressuretight relation by an additional flat plate 18 ofmetal, which matches plate 10. As illustrated in FIG. 12, plate 18carries the pneumatic or hydraulic circuit elements 20 to beinterconnected by the duct system or circuit.

Another metallic plate 21', matching plate 18', is provided withconnection elements 22 presenting inlet and discharge lines. Plate 21faces the underside of channel plate 10, and bolts 23 firmly secureplates 10', 16, 18 and 21' together in such a manner that plate 10 isinterposed between metal plates 18' and 21". The external dimensions ofplates 18 and 21' always match the external dimensions of the channelplate being used which, for instance, in the construction example shownin FIG. 11, comprising, in width, simply one laddertype pattern ofchannel sections. That is, it has been separated from the full plateshown in FIG. 10' at, for example, the leftmost divisional line 13.

For the purpose of arranging the duct system in several superposedplanes, as shown in'FIGS. 12 and 13, all channel sections 12', which arepreferably arranged at spacings such that they match the junctions (notshown) of circuit elements 20 to be interconnected by the duct system,have apertures 25' formed through plate 10.

In the stacking of plates 10 having the channel sections 11' and 12 ofthe duct system, there are inserted, between pairs of plates 10, anadditionalplate 21a and, in the selected ex ample, an additional pl'ate21b. Plates 21a and 2112, at the points where the pressure level of onecircuit is to be transmitted into the other circuit plane, are formedwith passages 26', so that a direct connection exists between theselected channel section 12 of an upper plate 10 with the selectedchannel section 12 of a lower plate 10. All other apertures 25' of thechannel sections of plate 10' are blocked or sealed by plates 21a and21b interposed between the plates 10'. Plate 21 carries the junctionelements 22', and the entire plate package is secured together, influidtight relation, by bolts 23.

The channel sections in plate 10' may be so arranged that meander-typepattern is formed, as well as other patent patterns. What is essentialis only that the patterns repeat regularly on both sides of divisionallines 13' so that, by means of a single standardized plate 10 formedwith the channel sections, a great variety-of duct systems can beestablished. These systems may be in one or more circuit planes withoutrequiring new pressingtools for the establishment of channel plates. Tofacilitate production of flow circuits in several planes, plates 21a and21b are provided with a network of lines which indicate all possiblelocations for passages 26' to be established.

Circuit members embodying the invention are not limited to use withpneumatic logic systems, but can beused to advantage wherever gaseous ordrop-forming liquids must be used and distributed.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed in detail to illustrate the application of the principles ofthe invention, it will be understood that the invention may beembodiedotherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

l. A duct system, for fluid pressure medium operated regulating controland measuring apparatus, comprising, in combination plural substantiallyflat superposable plates arranged in a stack to form a plate-shapedcircuit member, at least one plate being formed with channel-typerecesses; separating walls which separate said channel-type recessesfrom each other, said separating walls being perforable to interconnectchannels at selected locations to form at least one fluid pressuremedium flow circuit; said groups of channel-type recesses defining tworows of pressure medium flow channels, arranged in regular groups andextending in different directions with the channels in each groupextending in the same direction parallel to each other, whereby the flowchannels in each row extend parallel to each other in the flow channelssaid two rows extend at an angle to each other, said two rows beingdefined so that one row comprises transverse channels and the other rowcomprises longitudinal channels; the number of transverse channels beinggreater than the number of longitudinal channels; said transversechannels being connected to said logic and circuit elements, and saidlongitudinal channels being connected with said regulating testing andconnection elements; said plateshaped circuit member carrying, on atleast one surface thereof, logic or circuit elements, regulating andtesting elements and junction elements to be interconnected by fluidpressure medium flow circuits.

2. A duct system, for fluid pressure medium operated regu lating controland measuring apparatus comprising a plurality of substantially flatsuperposable plates arranged in a stack to form a plate-shaped circuitmember, at least one plate being formed with channel-type recesses;separating walls which separate said channel-type recesses from eachother, said separating walls being perforable to interconnect channelsat selected locations to form at least one fluid pressure medium flowcircuit; said groups of channel-type recesses defining two rows ofpressure medium flow channels, arranged in regular groups and extendingin different directions with the channels in each group extending in thesame direction parallel to each other, whereby the flow channels in eachrow extend parallel to each other and the flow channels in said two rowsextend at an angle to each other; said plate-shaped circuit membercarrying, on at least one surface thereof, logic or circuit elements,regulating and testing elements and junction elements to beinterconnected by fluid pressure medium flow circuits; said duct systemincluding at least two said plateshaped circuit members interconnectedto form a flow medium circulating installation, said plate-shapedcircuit members being arranged parallel to each other; first connectionmeans, for conduit means, being arranged on one side of each circuitmember;

second connection means, for regulating and testing elements and thelike arranged on the opposite side of each circuit member; and logic andcircuit elements being positioned between said plate-shaped circuitmembers.

3. A duct system, as claimed in claim 2, in which said conduit meanscomprise connection hoses tq. minating at com mon plug-in strips; saidconnection means comprising receptacle means mating with said plug-instrips and arranged to have said plug-in strips inserted thereinto.

4. A duct system, for fluid pressure medium operated regulating controland measuring apparatus, comprising, in combination, pluralsubstantially flat superposable plates, at least one plate being formedwith channel-type recesses separated from each other by separatingwalls; said channel-type recesses being arranged in regular groups andextending in respective different directions, with the channels in eachgroup extending in the same direction; said separating walls beingperforable to interconnect channels at selected locations to form atleast one fluid pressure medium flow circuit; said separating wallsconstituting webs of channel-type recesses arranged in one surface ofsaid plate in a regularly recurring pattern; said channel-type recessesbeing interconnectable at intersections, selected according to thedesired flow circuit diagram, by removal of selected portions of saidwebs, said plate being provided with division lines for severing intosections; said regular patterns being arranged symmetrically withrespect to said division lines and being a ladder-type pattern repeatingon both sides of each-division line.

5. A duct system, for fluid pressure medium operated regulating controland measuring apparatus, comprising, in combination, pluralsubstantially flat superposable plates, at least one plate being formedwith channel-type recesses separated from each other by separatingwalls; said channel-type recesses being arranged in regular groups andextending in respective different directions, with the channels in eachgroup extending in the same direction; said separating walls beingperforable to interconnect channels at selected locations to form atleast one fluid pressure medium flow circuit; said separating wallsconstituting webs of channel-type recesses arranged in one surface ofsaid plate in a regularly recurring pattern; said channel-type recessesbeing interconnectable at intersections, selected according to thedesired flow circuit diagram, by removal of selected portions of saidwebs, said plate being provided with division lines for severing intosections; said regular patterns being arranged symmetrically withrespect to said division lines and being a meandertype pattern repeatingon both sides of each division line.

1. A duct system, for fluid pressure medium operated regulating controland measuring apparatus, comprising, in combination plural substantiallyflat superposable plates arranged in a stack to form a plate-shapedcircuit member, at least one plate being formed with channel-typerecesses; separating walls which separate said channel-type recessesfrom each other, said separating walls being perforable to interconnectchannels at selected locations to form at least one fluid pressuremedium flow circuit; said groups of channel-type recesses defining tworows of pressure medium flow channels, arranged in regular groups andextending in different directions with the channels in each groupextending in the same direction parallel to each other, whereby the flowchannels in each row extend parallel to each other in the flow channelssaid two rows extend at an angle to each other, said two rows beingdefined so that one row comprises transverse channels and the other rowcomprises longitudinal channels; the number of transverse channels beinggreater than the number of longitudinal channels; said transversechannels being connected to said logic and circuit elements, and saidlongitudinal channels being connected with said regulating testing andconnection elements; said plateshaped circuit member carrying, on atleast one surface thereof, logic or circuit elements, regulating andtesting elements and junction elements to be interconnected by fluidpressure medium flow circuits.
 2. A duct system, for fluid pressuremedium operated regulating control and measuring apparatus comprising aplurality of substantially flat superposable plates arranged in a stackto form a plate-shaped circuit member, at least one plate being formedwith channel-type recesses; separating walls which separate saidchannel-type recesses from each other, said separating walls beingperforable to interconnect channels at selected locations to form atleast one fluid pressure medium flow circuit; said groups ofchannel-type recesses defining two rows of pressure medium flowchannels, arranged in regular groups and extending in differentdirections with the channels in each group extending in the samedirection parallel to each other, whereby the flow channels in each rowextend parallel to each other and the flow channels in said two rowsextend at an angle to each other; said plate-shaped circuit membercarrying, on at least one surface thereof, logic or circuit elements,regulating and testing elements and junction elements to beinterconnected by fluid pressure medium flow circuits; said duct systemincluding at least two said plate-shaped circuit members interconnectedto form a flow medium circulating installation, said plate-shapedcircuit members being arranged parallel to each other; first connectionmeans, for conduit means, being arranged on one side of each circuitmember; second connection means, for regulating and testing elements andthe like arranged on the opposite side of each circuit member; and logicand circuit elements being positioned between said plate-shaped circuitmembers.
 3. A duct system, as claimed in claim 2, in which said conduitmeans comprise connection hoses terminating at common plug-in strips;said connection means comprising receptacle means mating with saidplug-in strips and arranged to have said plug-in strips insertedthereinto.
 4. A duct system, for fluid pressure medium operatedregulating control and measuring apparatus, comprising, in combination,plural substantially flat superposable plates, at least one plate beingformed with channel-type recesses separated from each other byseparating walls; said channel-type recesses being arranged in regulargroups and extending in respective different directions, with thechannels in each group extending in the same direction; said separatingwalls being perforable to interconnect channels at selected locations toform at least one fluid pressure medium flow circuit; said separatingwalls constituting webs of channel-type recesses arranged in one surfaceof said plate in a regularly recurring pattern; said channel-typerecesses being interconnectable at intersections, selected according tothe desired flow circuit diagram, by removal of selected portions ofsaid webs, said plate being provided with division lines for severinginto sections; said regular patterns being arranged symmetrically withrespect to said division lines and being a ladder-type pattern repeatingon both sides of each division line.
 5. A duct system, for fluidpressure medium operated regulating control and measuring apparatus,comprising, in combination, plural substantially flat superposableplates, at least one plate being formed with channel-type recessesseparateD from each other by separating walls; said channel-typerecesses being arranged in regular groups and extending in respectivedifferent directions, with the channels in each group extending in thesame direction; said separating walls being perforable to interconnectchannels at selected locations to form at least one fluid pressuremedium flow circuit; said separating walls constituting webs ofchannel-type recesses arranged in one surface of said plate in aregularly recurring pattern; said channel-type recesses beinginterconnectable at intersections, selected according to the desiredflow circuit diagram, by removal of selected portions of said webs, saidplate being provided with division lines for severing into sections;said regular patterns being arranged symmetrically with respect to saiddivision lines and being a meander-type pattern repeating on both sidesof each division line.